A client post-op day 2 from abdominal surgery has a WBC of 16,800/mm³ (normal 4,500-10,500). The nurse should assess for which complication FIRST?

ELEVATED WBC (LEUKOCYTOSIS) in a post-operative patient should trigger assessment for infection. NORMAL POST-SURGICAL WBC: A mild leukocytosis (WBC up to 12,000-15,000) is expected immediately after major surgery as part of the normal inflammatory response — this typically resolves within 24-48 hours. ABNORMAL POST-OP WBC: A WBC of 16,800 on post-op day 2 (when the initial surgical inflammation should be subsiding) is suspicious for an INFECTIOUS process. ASSESSMENT PRIORITIES: (1) WOUND — inspect the incision: erythema, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, dehiscence; (2) VITAL SIGNS — fever (temperature above 38°C/100.4°F) confirms infection; tachycardia (>90 bpm); (3) LOCALISING SYMPTOMS — pain level and location; urinary symptoms (CAUTI risk); respiratory symptoms (pneumonia, especially common after abdominal surgery — atelectasis leading to pneumonia); (4) DRAINS/TUBES — assess drainage character; (5) IV SITES — inspect for phlebitis or CLABSI signs. COMMON POST-OP INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS: Surgical site infection (SSI) — most common post-op day 3-5; Urinary tract infection (CAUTI) — foley catheter risk; Pneumonia — especially in abdominal/thoracic patients, immobile patients; C. difficile colitis — antibiotic-associated; CLABSI. REPORT TO PROVIDER: WBC trend; temperature; wound assessment findings; any localising signs.